Preparing the next generation of generalist social work practitioners!

Social Work (BSW)

We are very pleased that you have an interest in social work as a career choice, and are considering a social work education at Fayetteville State University. A social work educational experience is challenging, rewarding, and exciting. As a social work major you are pursuing a course of study that will make a difference in your life, and empower you to make a difference in the lives of others. Social Workers are special people, and as such your are special to us. As social workers, we are governed by a code of conduct and ethical responsibilities that guide you as students, and ultimately guide us as professionals.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Why Choose Social Work?

The Bachelor's of Social Work Program is designed to prepare students for practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations in rural and military settings. In addition, the program prepares students for generalist social work practice with a focus on issues concerning children, families, military, mental health, and substance abuse. Students learn to utilize ethical and evidence based practice in prevention, intervention, and research activities that promote human well being. The program also seeks to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to alleviate oppression, poverty, and discrimination in a multicultural society and the global community. Students matriculate in an environment that promotes diversity, and stimulates a desire for lifelong learning by bringing together faculty, field instructors, and social work professionals, for collaborative learning.

Quentin Gilmore

Social Work Student

Quentin is a student working in the School of Social Work. He is grateful to have the opportunity to be in the position to work and earn money while being a student.

make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of thics as appropriate to context;

use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations;

demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication;

use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and

use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgement and behavior.

2. Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice.

apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;

present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and

apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.

collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;

apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;

develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objects based on the critical assessments of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and

select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients aand constituencies.

"The mission of the Bachelor of Social Work Program (BSW) at Fayetteville State University (FSU) is consistent with the profession's purpose and values, and program's context. The BSW program seeks: to provide the knowledge, skills and values needed to practice beginning generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; to prepare students for practice within a rural context and military setting; to enable students to engage in practice according to the NASW Code of Ethics; to provide the framework needed for students to identify and utilize evidence based practice for intervention; to instill in students the importance of engaging in practices that alleviate oppression, poverty, social and economic injustice and discrimination; to graduate students who will understand the impact of diversity and difference on human behavior; to prepare students for leadership in the professional community, and who will understand the dynamics of practice in a multicultural society, and a global community."

Application for formal admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program begins after the completion of 64 semester hours (end of sophomore year) of core curriculum course work. Students with less than 60 hours are considered Pre-Social Work majors and must complete a Pre-Social Work application. Admission requirements to the BSW Program include:

Completion of a School of Social Work Undergraduate Admission's Application

Two (2) Recommendation Forms to be completed by someone other than a friend or family member.

A minimum of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. If the grade point average is below 2.5 the student may be admitted on a conditional basis after an interview with the BSW Admissions Committee

A grade of "C" or better in SWRK 230, Introduction to Social Work.

A 2-3 page, typed narrative on "Why I Want to Become a Social Worker."

Personal characteristics that are aligned with Social Work Values and Ethics as determined by an evaluation (through application, narrative or interview).

Signed code of ethical behavior statement, and be in good academic and nonacademic standing within the university.

To remain in the program in good academic standing, students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5, and a social work GPA of 2.75.

* The BSW program gives no credit for prior work or volunteer experience.